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ProblemsByVin File / 2016-CHEVROLET-TRAVERSE
2016 · chevrolet

chevrolet Traverse problems

2 safety recalls. 290 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.8 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

airbags
158 reports · avg $1,100
critical
powertrain
33 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
steering
24 reports · avg $700
moderate
electrical
21 reports · avg $850
severe
cruise control
7 reports · avg $600
severe
seatbelts
4 reports · avg $500
moderate
visibility
4 reports · avg $350
severe
body
3 reports · avg $1,500
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2016 Traverse · cruise control
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON, ALONG WITH WARNINGS: SERVICE STABILITRAK AND ENGINE POWER REDUCED WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION. PHYSICAL SPEED OF CAR WAS REDUCED TO 25 MPH AND COULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER THAT SPEED.
12/30/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11057527.0
2016 Traverse · powertrain
HAD TO HAVE A REBUILT TRANSMISSION PLACED IN VEHICLE 1 YEAR AGO AND SUBSEQUENT WORK DONE 6 MONTHS LATER ON THE "NEW" TRANSMISSION. NOW 6 MONTHS LATER IT BEGAN SLIPPING WHEN GOING FROM STOPPED THROUGH FIRST 2 GEARS, RPMS REV OVER 3. CALLED SOUTH CHARLOTTE CHEVY TO REPORT I WOULD…
12/28/2020 · NHTSA ODI #11385328.0
2016 Traverse · powertrain
2016 CHEVY TRAVERSE ENGINE TRACTION CONTROL, STABILTRAK PROBLEM. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, DISPLAY STATED REDUCE SPEED TO 25 MPH AND THE ABOVE WARNING FLASHED ON THE DASH DISPLAY. THE CAR LOST ACCELERATION POWER. IT HAPPENED TWICE IN ABOUT A TWO WEEK PERIOD. THE FIRST TIME IT…
12/28/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11057103.0
2016 Traverse · airbags
My vehicle has had issues starting off and on with in the last year of having the vehicle. I replaced the battery and alternator. and now we think it's the neutral safety switch. I went to go check the recalls and I see that I had a recall on the front air bag module needs…
12/27/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11632583.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
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Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 15V609000 29/09/2015

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured August 18, 2015 to September 24, 2015

A wiper motor that overheats increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor cover assembly, free of charge. Owners are advised not to use their front windshield wipers until the wiper cover has been replaced. If weather conditions prevent operation of the vehicle without using the windshield wipers, GM will make arrangements to pick up the vehicle for servicing. The recall began on September 30, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 15780.
severe NHTSA 15V833000 11/12/2015

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured November 6, 2015, to November 12, 2015

If the seat frame is not welded in the correct places, the seat may not perform as intended, and in the event of a crash, the seat occupant could be at an increased risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third row left side lower seat frame, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 29, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 21930.

Common questions

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.8 out of 10 based on 290 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 158 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Chevrolet Traverse has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 290 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 14 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with chevrolet. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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